Is GLP-1 safe?

Understanding GLP-1: What you need to know

GLP-1 is a hormone that exists in our bodies that works to regulate blood sugar and hunger. GLP-1 medications mimic this hormone, which can be helpful for those suffering from diabetes and obesity.

These medications help with weight loss by making you feel fuller longer, said Dr. Logan Galbraith, a physician and researcher specializing in surgery with Invigor Medical, an online health clinic. They slow down how quickly food leaves your stomach, so you feel satisfied after eating less. They also reduce your appetite by affecting signals in the brain that control hunger. So you end up eating fewer calories, which leads to weight loss over time.

In addition, GLP-1 medications help manage blood sugar by boosting insulin production when blood sugar is high and reducing the amount of sugar the liver produces. They also suppress glucagon, a hormone that can raise blood sugar.

Safety of GLP-1 medications

Despite undeniable benefits when it comes to losing weight and controlling diabetes, GLP-1 medications do come with risks. Thousands of lawsuits have been filed over potential side effects, according to the law firm Motley Rice. Reported complications include:

• Gastroparesis: When the stomach muscles partially or fully lose the ability to move food through the digestive tract
• Gastroenteritis: Inflammation of the stomach and intestines, which can lead to diarrhea and vomiting
• Intestinal blockage: An obstruction that blocks food and liquid from passing through your small intestine or your colon
• Muscle atrophy: A decrease in muscle mass that can cause weakness, numbness and tingling in hands and feet
• Deep vein thrombosis: A blood clot in a vein, which is a potentially fatal complication

It’s important to remember, however, that most medications can cause severe or life-threatening side effects in just a few cases, but remain very safe overall. And that’s the case with GLP-1 weight loss medications as well.

According to Galbraith, “GLP-1 medications have been shown to be generally safe for long-term use. Several large studies, including the SUSTAIN and LEADER trials, have followed patients for several years.”

Benefits of GLP-1 for weight loss and diabetes

Unlike many other weight loss drugs that just focus on suppressing appetite or fat, GLP-1 medications not only help with weight loss but also address some of the underlying causes of obesity, like insulin resistance, said Galbraith.

Aside from the obvious advantages of improving blood sugar control and assisting with weight loss, GLP-1 drugs may also support overall health beyond weight and blood sugar control. Potential benefits still under study include:

• Better cardiovascular health
• Improved heart function in patients with heart failure
• Reduced inflammation in the body
• Enhanced kidney function
• Better sleep quality

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Drawbacks of GLP-1 medications

There are two major drawbacks to GLP-1 medications, and neither is related to safety, which is generally considered good. The two main drawbacks of taking a GLP-1 drug are unpleasant side effects and high costs.

Side effects

“While GLP-1 medications are effective, they can cause some side effects, especially when you first start using them,” Galbraith said. Common side effects of taking GLP-1 drugs are nausea, vomiting, oily stools, bloating, gas and diarrhea.

In most cases, these side effects lessen or resolve over time. Still, one study found that 5% to 10% of patients stopped taking GLP-1 medications due to gastrointestinal side effects like nausea and vomiting.

High costs

The average cost of weight loss drugs on the market right now ranges from $1,000 to $1,500 per month. And for most people, these drugs aren’t covered by insurance. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, only 24% of people had the cost of their weight loss medication fully covered by insurance.

Comparing GLP-1 with other medications

Compared to other diabetes medications, GLP-1s offer a couple of advantages. For one, they help with weight loss, which is often a concern for people with Type 2 diabetes. They’re also less likely to cause drops in blood sugar compared to medications like insulin or sulfonylureas, said Galbraith.

Finally, GLP-1 drugs may offer heart benefits that some Ozempic alternatives don’t. Research suggests these medications can help reduce the risk of heart disease — a major concern for people with diabetes — when used appropriately.

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GLP-1 drug interactions

Before you start taking a GLP-1 drug, your doctor will ask you to list any medications or supplements you’re currently taking. It’s important to be honest and thorough since medications can sometimes interact with one another in negative ways.

Galbraith said: “GLP-1 medications can interact with other drugs that affect blood sugar, like insulin or sulfonylureas. Using them together can sometimes lead to low blood sugar, so it’s important to monitor your levels closely. GLP-1s can also slow down the emptying of your stomach, which may affect how well other oral medications are absorbed.”